Depending on whom you ask, the guitar might not register as a jazz tool.

“In some circles, yeah, sure,” said 45-year-old jazz guitarist Tim Cummiskey. “That’s all out
of ignorance.

“If you look at the historical journey within the components (the guitar) brings from jazz
and fusion, it’s really gone further than a lot of the other instruments.”

Cummiskey, a North Side resident who teaches jazz guitar privately and at the Jazz Academy,
will help expand horizons tonight with his longtime quartet — saxophonist Michael Cox, organist Jon
Eshelman and drummer Jim Rupp.

Q: Could you describe the music you’ll perform at the concert?

A: A mix of the American standard songbook, that’ll be one component. We’ll do some blues,
some bebop and post-bop and some contemporary material. I’ll probably do a couple originals.

Q: As a jazzman, how much of your performance is improvised?

A: Conservatively, 60 percent, at least — maybe more. I want to play something new and fresh
and somehow do that within the context of all the practice and study we all do.

Q: What is your writing process like?

A: I just think of the melody. I usually like to start with the chord progression, to think
more harmonically, and bridge out from there.

I’m still trying to follow my influences and develop as an individual artist.

Q: Who inspires your work?

A: My favorite guitarist is a guy out of Boston named Tim Miller. I’ve always been a huge fan
of John McLaughlin. He’s still going strong (at 72). He doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

My friendship with (New York jazz guitarist) Jack Wilkins has always been a strong influence.

Q: Why should someone come see you in concert?

A: I think they’ll really enjoy the music and their spirit will be elevated. I always play
with the best musicians.